As appropriations for FY2013 come before Congress, my colleagues and I will keep this report in mind and be sure to scrutinize each program that is duplicative and underperforming. In fact, after receiving this same GAO report last year, appropriators cut $95 billion in discretionary spending since FY2010 and terminated over 50 programs. However, any significant reductions in federal spending must also include reforms to mandatory spending programs. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), mandatory spending will account for 63.7 percent of total federal outlays. This path of excessive and reckless spending is simply unsustainable.

As your congressman, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stamp out these government inefficiencies and to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on programs that are actually working.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.